Title:


The Wonderful World of Wikis: Playing with Possibility in the Digital World



Presenters:


Cherice Montgomery, Michigan State University
Cindy Kendall, Ingham ISD



Abstract:


Wikis are free, online spaces that you can use to advocate, communicate, connect, collaborate, and innovate. We'll demonstrate using them to promote language learning; communicate with students, parents, and community members; connect students to other learners; scaffold collaborative student projects; improve personal productivity; design new materials; and support professional development.



Guiding Questions:


This session will address questions such as:

  • What is a wiki and in what ways is it different from a standard website or content management system?

  • Why might students, teachers, and community members find wikis compelling?

  • How are wikis transforming possibilities for learning, teaching, and professional development in K-12 settings around the world?

  • In what ways might participants envision using them in their own teaching contexts?



Content:


Come learn how teachers from a variety of grade levels, languages, and content areas are using wikis in innovative ways to:

  • communicate with parents and community members
  • design motivating learning environments and materials
  • engage students in social issues
  • evaluate student progress
  • facilitate student clubs and professional learning communities
  • improve personal productivity and organization
  • participate in collaborative interclass, interschool, and international projects
  • scaffold the development of student writing
  • support action research and professional development
  • transform what it means to teach, what it means to learn, and what it means to understand!